An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2011
The mission of An Garda Síochána is Working with Communities to Protect and Serve Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 1 Foreword Fighting Crime
Contents
Fighting Crime 3
Community 11
Managing Our Resources 14
Traffic 17
Regional Reports 19
Strategic Goals 28
Statistics 37
I am pleased to present the Annual Report for We will continue to engage meaningfully and 2011, detailing the work of An Garda Síochána effectively with all stakeholders, as well as across all divisions. The report outlines working to protect our most vulnerable persons achievements and successes across our core areas and responding sensitively and effectively to of activity including the prevention and detection victims of crime. of crime, the protection of national security, and our daily work to keep our road network and our One of the most significant challenges for An communities safe. Garda Síochána during 2011 was its critical remit in the management of the State visits in May. The community itself continues to be our greatest Gardaí throughout the country were more than ally in providing a safe and secure environment equal to this challenge, and the effective for everyone and during 2011 we continued to execution of the largest policing operation in the work on developing our critical and long-standing State’s history made a vital contribution to the relationships in communities. This work yields success of these visits. tangible daily results as we aim to provide a visible Garda presence, reduce both crime and the An Garda Síochána is not immune from the harsh fear of crime, maintain a strong relationship of economic realities which are impacting on the trust between Gardaí and the people who live and community and the public sector. Like work in the community. everyone else we continue to search for efficiencies and still provide a professional During 2011, we continued the fight against the service. Our commitment is to maintain scourge of drugs in society. Our sustained and operational effectiveness and resilience but in focused efforts to tackle this problem resulted order to do that work must be prioritised and in significant seizures and arrests during the some hard decisions must be made. year, many of which resulted in the disruption or dismantling of organised crime gangs. We will We are fully committed to maintaining a continue this vital work in 2012 and beyond. professional and effective frontline service in 2012. Our challenge is to manage public Our partnership with other agencies and expectations and emphasise that while policing communities helps us to fight serious criminal may not always be provided in the same way or activity, safeguard our nation’s security, reduce same place as it was in the past, it is no less the number of deaths and serious injuries on our effective and our commitment to the community roads and build ever more peaceful is not diminished. communities through addressing the causes of anti-social behaviour. Martin Callinan Commissioner of An Garda Síochána
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 2 Fighting Crime
Criminal Assets Bureau
In 2011 the Criminal Assets Bureau continued to In 2011 the Bureau Legal Officer was appointed pursue its statutory remit in targeting the as Receiver of 18 separate cases and the value of proceeds of criminal activity. The Bureau uses a the assets was in excess of €6million. Approx- multi-agency approach, which involves An Garda imately €2.7million was sent to the Minister for Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners, and the Finance pursuant to Sections 4 and 4(a) of the Department of Social Protection. The Bureau Proceeds of Crime Act following final orders continues to be supported by the Chief State obtained in the High Court. Solicitors Office which works in close consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the As a result of its Revenue actions, the Bureau Attorney General’s Office. assessed 35 separate individuals. The value of these assessments was in excess of €13million and the Bureau managed to collect €4million.
The Bureau continues to pursue individuals involved in criminal activity using its Revenue powers. The Bureau using its Social Welfare powers generated savings of approximately €599,000 and recovered approximately €452,000.
During 2011, the Bureau continued to support a number of initiatives targeting cross border criminality. The Bureau participated in the Cross Border Fuel Enforcement Group and the Cross Border Tobacco Fraud Enforcement Group.
Members of the Bureau also attended the cross border conference which included representatives from law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border during which a number of topics were discussed. During 2011, the Bureau took action against a variety of assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act The Bureau also participated in a number of joint 1996/2005. The assets targeted included houses, investigations with other units within National motor vehicles, cash and funds which were held Support Services and other Garda Divisions on deposit in financial institutions. The Bureau throughout the Country. was able to link these assets to a variety of different types of criminal conduct.
The types of criminal conduct identified included drug trafficking offences, prostitution, smuggling, fraud and theft.
In 2011, the Bureau commenced six new cases against assets valued at approximately €5.3million. A total of 23 cases were finalised in the High Court in 2011.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 3 Fighting Crime
Europol
In 2011, Europol was successful in issuing a and the Emergency Response Unit. The Unit also Europe Wide Strategic Threat Notice works closely with the Revenue Customs Service in concerning Mobile Organised Crime Groups. The targeting drug trafficking. issuing of this notice helped to alert European Law Enforcement Authorities and potential victims to In the past year the OCU has worked with other the threat of mobile organised crime groups from units in three significant areas namely organised Ireland and the UK who are engaged in tarmac and prostitution, people trafficking and revenue generator frauds, scams, robberies and crimes evasion. against older people. The notice, which was issued jointly with Ireland, received favourable Significant operations undertaken by the OCU media coverage. in 2011 include:
Another Europol success in 2011 concerned the • Some 398 targeted operations against seizure of cash and rhino horns in Lisbon, organised crime gangs; Portugal in September. This seizure was directly • Seizure of controlled drugs worth €1,371,250; attributed to operation Oakleaf, which was led by • Seizure of €47,000 in cash; Ireland at Europol, and resulted in the arrest of • Provision of armed patrols (on 68 occasions to one of the main targets of the operation. Charges divisions in Dublin); are now pending in this case. • Seizure of €2.5 million of contraband tobacco products; In October 2011, another rhino horn was seized • Dismantling of a fuel laundering plant in and three suspects were arrested at a border Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan. The plant had crossing between Spain and France, again the capacity to launder an estimated 18 million attributable to Operation Oakleaf. Other cash litres of fuel per annum with a potential loss to seizures have been made and several robberies the Exchequer of €9 million per annum. frustrated. This is an ongoing operation. Garda National Drugs Unit Organised Crime Unit (OCU) In 2011, the Garda National Drugs Unit arrested The OCU is tasked with targeting national and 116 persons in connection with drug trafficking international criminal organisations that engage in all offences. Some 80 of these were charged and are aspects of crime including: before the Courts. The remainder were made the subject of investigation files to the • The importation and distribution of firearms; Director of Public Prosecutions. • Armed robberies; • Cash-in-transit robberies; • Tiger kidnappings; • Firearms offences; • Murder; • Evasion of revenue offences including fuel smuggling; • Importation of counterfeit and contraband tobacco products.
The OCU targets criminal organisations through intelligence-led operations in conjunction with other national and local Garda units including the National Criminal Intelligence Unit, National Surveillance Unit
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 4 Fighting Crime
A total of 67 significant seizures were made involve targeting the assets of persons involved in during the year which either disrupted or this illicit trade and the Garda National Drugs Unit dismantled a number of organised crime gangs. will work closely with the Criminal Assets Bureau These seizures included the following: in that regard.
• 20 April 2011: Seizure of 400kgs (€2.4million) of cannabis resin and 50kgs (€600,000) of Garda National Immigration herbal cannabis at Malahide Road Industrial Bureau Estate (Operation Vesta); During 2011, the Garda National Immigration • 28 June 2011: Seizure of 200kgs (€2.4million) Bureau (GNIB) prioritised the prevention, of cannabis resin at Rathcoole; detection and investigation of human trafficking, with a particular emphasis on victim related • 13 October 2011: Seizure of 72.5kgs issues. In the course of human trafficking related (€5.07million) of cocaine at Fermoy, Cork investigations, An Garda Síochána prevented (Operation Oppress.) potential victims from being subject to criminal activity. The organisation contributed to Among the most successful investigations carried the achievement of prosecutions and convictions out in 2011 were: of the perpetrators of human trafficking at both a national and international level. • Operation Agon: International investigation in conjunction with Revenue’s Customs Service GNIB continued to play a significant role in and the US Drug Enforcement Administration; guarding national security and indeed strengthening international security, through • Operation Fortuna: Maritime investigation into implementing legislation relating to the control of the activities of an international drug entry to, residence in and removal from the State trafficking gang with Irish contacts; of foreign nationals. While An Garda Síochána facilitated the lawful movement of millions of • Operation Nitrogen: Nationwide investigation foreign nationals who visited Ireland throughout with district and divisional drug units into 2011, its immigration officers refused permission cannabis cultivation sites. to enter the State to 2,534 such persons who did not meet the necessary entry requirements. There is no doubt that GNDU made a significant impact on the drug trafficking community in In 2011, while fulfilling its immigration control Ireland during 2011 by arresting and function, GNIB detected attempts to enter the prosecuting a number of individuals involved in State by persons who had possession of bogus drug trafficking and fracturing drug supply routes and stolen passports and other documents. The operated by those intent on destroying the fabric detection of smuggling of illegal immigrants and of Irish society through the illicit drugs trade. suspicious movement of children into the country was included in the actions taken by the In 2012 the unit will continue to relentlessly organisation’s immigration officers. pursue the purveyors of the drug trafficking trade including those based within this jurisdiction and GNIB also co-ordinated the removal of foreign in other jurisdictions where individuals are nationals who were resident in the State for some impacting on the Irish State. time. A total of 469 foreign nationals who were subject of either a removal, transit or deportation The policies pursued will involve proactive order, were removed from the State in 2011, 65 intelligence led investigations into members of of whom had acquired criminal convictions while organised crime gangs at all levels. They will also resident in Ireland.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 5 Fighting Crime
The wide range of immigration related crime detected and investigated by the Bureau through- out 2011 included criminality associated with bogus marriages, bogus colleges, unlawful employment and bogus social welfare claims arising from illegal immigration.
Garda Air Support Unit
In April 2011 following extensive training, the Garda Air Support Unit declared an operational capability with helicopter crews working on Night Vision Goggles (NVG’s). The main advantage of the NVG’s is that they The new Night Vision Goggles make night time flights possible. improve operational effectiveness and flight safety. They enhance the aircraft crew’s spatial concealed himself in water. Ground units were awareness at night, allowing the pilot and the directed to the scene and the suspect was two air observers to see the ground, buildings, arrested. The aircraft then located two further other obstructions and even wires. This was suspects using thermal imaging equipment. All previously almost impossible at night, three were detained in relation to these particularly in rural areas where there is often serious incidents. little ambient light such as street, building or vehicle lights. Furthermore the NVG’s improve On 17 September 2011, the Garda helicopter the crew’s ability to see visual references responded to a call from Command and Control including the ground, thereby allowing pilots to concerning a missing person in the Dublin area. A land aircraft on a case by case basis in suitable female had contacted the centre and said that she landing sites and not necessarily confining was in water with suicidal intentions. The aircraft landings to airfields or airports. The NVG’s crew conducted a comprehensive search of the require a small light source such as the light of area and noticed a thermal heat signature in the the moon for the crew to get enough of an image sea. They located the missing female and with the to land the helicopter. assistance of an RNLI lifeboat she was taken alive from the water to shore by the lifeboat crew and The high quality optics of the NVG’s mean that removed to hospital. the crew is able to spot offenders or people who are missing at night. The Unit’s acquisition of On 20 September 2011, the Unit was requested to this technology means that night time flights are search the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains during the now not only possible but a regular occurrence. hours of darkness for an older man who got lost while out walking. The helicopter crew found the Garda Air Support Unit was involved in many man using thermal imaging equipment and successful operations in 2011 including the relayed reassurance to him using on-board public following: address equipment. Illuminating the rough and difficult terrain with spotlight technology, the On 7 July 2011, the Garda helicopter responded helicopter crew guided searching Garda and to a call for assistance from Portumna Gardaí mountain rescue units to his location and regarding incidents of aggravated burglary, recovered the man safe and well. burglary and robbery. A number of suspects had fled from investigating Gardaí into an area of forestry and open country. The helicopter conducted a thermal image search of the area and the crew detected a faint thermal heat signature from one of the suspects, who had
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 6 Fighting Crime
Garda Water Unit
Among the many successful operations that the heroin behind a six foot wall by indicating at a Garda Water Unit (GWU) carried out in 2011 were: crack in the wall. He then recovered €100,100 worth of Cocaine and €4,500 of Cannabis, which On 16 February 2011, items were recovered by had been placed in a hollowed out concrete pillar members of the GWU from River Martin, in a dog compound at the rear of the premises. Blarney Co Cork, as part of the investigation into There was one male arrested at the scene for the murder of Packie Hogan. sale and supply offences.
On 20 March 2011, the GWU conducted a search On 4 August 2011, during drug searches of of the Grand Canal for the weapon used in electricity meter huts at Hardwicke Street, Dublin the murder of David Byrne. The divers entered the 1, a Garda Dog indicated a bag which contained water and grid searched the area. They recovered cannabis to the value of €10,000 in one of the a number of weapons. huts.
On 23 July 2011, the body of murder victim Juris On 21 August 2011, a Garda Dog Handler and Buls, a Latvian national was discovered in a bog his dog located a black rucksack containing near Creggs, Co. Galway. As the body was cannabis herb to the value of €2,500 in the Ward completely submerged in water, the GWU was Rivervalley Park, Swords, Co. Dublin. A requested to recover it and search the immediate surveillance operation was conducted and a area for evidence. suspect was arrested. On 2 September 2011, another Garda Dog handler was in the same area On 2 August 2011, the GWU carried out a search and located a plastic bag with ecstasy tablets to of the River Boyne, in Drogheda as part of the the value of €34,000. investigation of a Tiger Kidnapping. A number of items were recovered.
Garda Dog Unit
Among the many fruitful operations that the Garda Mounted Unit Garda Dog Unit carried out in 2011 were: On 27 June 2011, representatives from Horse Sport Ireland presented the Garda Commissioner with a On 22 January 2011, a Garda Dog recovered four year old draught horse, “Embarr”. The quantities of heroin, cocaine and cannabis to the presentation took place at the Mounted Unit in Áras value of €366,200 from a premises in Lucan, Co. an Uachtaráin. Dublin during a Garda search. The dog recovered a black sack containing €261,100 worth of “Embarr” is the ninth horse that Horse Sport Ireland
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 7 Fighting Crime
has presented to the Mounted Unit. After joining, On 29 September 2011, Detective Sergeant Finbarr he received six weeks of intensive training, Garland and Detective Garda Eugene O’Sullivan of including public order and ‘nuisance’ training the Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit, designed to prepare him to deal with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation received circumstances and noises he is likely to encounter an award from the International Association of while on patrol or involved in a public order Auto Theft Investigators. The award was given in incident. recognition of their successful investigation into the theft and trafficking of heavy plant Embarr is now participating in the full range of machinery, which was carried out in conjunction duties performed by the Garda Mounted Unit. with the Belgian Federal Police.
Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Investigation Unit (DVSAIU)
The Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit, which is part of the DVSAIU, is charged with maintaining a record of all persons who are subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. As of the end of 2011 there were 1,177 persons recorded as being subject to the requirements of the Act. In 2011, An Garda Síochána brought 85 prosecutions for failures to comply with the various provisions of the Act. Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, new draught horse “Embarr” and his handler Garda Lisa Halligan, and Mr Joe Walsh, Sex Offender Risk Assessment and Chairman, Horse Sport Ireland. Management
National Bureau of Criminal Offenders are assessed to identify the risk they pose to the community and plans are put in Investigation place to manage the risks posed. An Garda Síochána works in close partnership with the Probation Service in respect of the joint management of convicted sex offenders who are both subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 and who are under the supervision of the Probation Service. This process is called Sex Offender Risk Assessment and Management and has been in operation on a pilot basis in five Garda divisions throughout the country, namely Dublin Metropolitan Region (North), Tipperary, Louth, Mayo and Cork City. Due to the success of these joint working arrangements, it has been agreed to extend this process in 2012. Detective Sergeant Finbarr Garland (centre) accepting his award from the President of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, Barry Hancock.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 8 Fighting Crime
Sexual Crime Management Unit The Maritime Analysis In 2011, the Sexual Crime Management Unit, the Operations Centre central point of contact for the reporting of clerical child sexual abuse, received and processed - Narcotics (MAOC-N) notifications of previously unreported historical The Maritime Analysis Operations Centre clerical abuse allegations. In 2011 the Unit further Narcotics (MAOC-N) Centre is a European Law developed the close working relationship with the Enforcement unit with military support tasked with Health Service Executive and has worked closely coordinating maritime and aviation intelligence, with Children and Family Services in relation to a resources and trained personnel to respond to the number of child protection cases. threat posed by transatlantic drug trafficking.
An Garda Síochána, together with Irish Customs, Garda Síochána Analysis maintains an active role in the Centre with the Service (GSAS) posting of a Garda Liaison Officer there. Ireland is one of seven European Member States that In 2011, GSAS continued to support the contribute to the work of the Centre. organisation across the key priority areas identified in the Strategy Statement 2010-2012, In 2011, the work of the Centre contributed to including: maritime drug interdictions yielding 16 seizures of cocaine, amounting to 12.5 tonnes and one • Confronting Crime: GSAS provided a range of four tonne seizure of hashish. analytical reports which identified key issues and emerging problems in relation to crime and also provided analytical support for Intellectual Property Crime intelligence-led operations; Unit
• Ensuring a peaceful community: Where The Intellectual Property Crime Unit (IPCU) is requested, local analysis was provided to tasked with the responsibility for the protection of identify public disorder and criminal damage Intellectual Property rights and to ensure a hotspots; structured and co-ordinated approach is taken when tackling counterfeit products. • Working with communities: GSAS provided support for community-based initiatives e.g. it On 9 June 2011, the Intellectual Property Regional helped to target areas that would benefit most Enforcement Group held a seminar on counterfeit from Garda Youth Diversion Projects; products for all regional representatives and interested bodies from private industry at the • Effective Roads Policing: Analysis was used to Garda College in Templemore. support the targeting of resources in order to help reduce serious and fatal collisions. Throughout the course of 2011, the most common types of counterfeit goods seized by In 2011, the quality of the work produced by GSAS An Garda Síochána were DVD’s, CD’s, cigarettes, Analysts was recognised through the awarding of branded clothing and sportswear, footwear, a prestigious prize for innovative analysis to one cosmetics, jewellery and hair styling equipment. member of GSAS by the Association of Crime and Intelligence Analysts. The main regions where this type of crime is detected are the Dublin Metropolitan Region and the Western Region, where seizures are more commonly detected at markets. However, recent trends would indicate that more and more counterfeit goods are being sold by established
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 9 Fighting Crime
traders and shops. This is something that Gardaí Photographic Section will be paying particular attention to in future policing operations. In 2011, the Photographic Section completed 278 crime-related photography jobs including attending at major crime scenes such as murders Garda Technical Bureau and tiger kidnappings.
The Technical Bureau had another busy year in 2011 providing laboratory and crime scene investigation services nationally, through its expertise in the areas of fingerprints, ballistics, mapping, photography and documents & handwriting. The Bureau responded to 578 call-outs in support of Garda districts nationally, and in excess of 71,000 crime scene exhibits were processed by the Forensic Liaison Office.
The Section completed 45 computer design facial identification techniques in 2011. This is where victims or witnesses of a crime describe the facial features of a suspect to trained operators who compile graphical likenesses in an attempt to identify the perpetrators.
The Section continued to reduce its ‘carbon footprint’ by converting photographic techniques from wet film to digital technology. This also In 2011 a new aspect of the Automatic Fingerprint improves quality, efficiency and effectiveness. Identification System (AFIS) came into operation Images are now sent electronically via secure with the implementation of the Forensic Imaging networks and investigation teams are issued with Scanning Hub (FISH) system. FISH is a ‘Touch images on discs instead of large albums of Screen’ computer for scanning fingerprint lifts and photographs. This dramatically cuts down on the crime scene photographs and transmitting the use of paper and chemicals. information back to the Photographic and Fingerprint Sections in order that they can be processed, analysed and searched at the Fingerprint Section. In 2011, the system was used to identify suspects at three murder scenes around the country.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 10 Community Community E-Newsletter
In December 2011, the first public involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour version of the e-Newsletter Community Times was by providing suitable activities to facilitate placed on the Garda Website (www.garda.ie). The personal development, promote civic newsletter aims to inform the public and Garda responsibility and improve long-term members alike of Garda community based employability prospects. initiatives taking place around the country. The newsletter also updates Garda personnel on best The projects may also involve young people who practices in Community Policing. are significantly at risk of becoming involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour. By doing so, the projects contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/ community relations.
Age Card Office
On 5 January 2011 the Garda Age Card scheme (Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 2007) shifted from a paper based application process to on-line application site www.agecard.ie. This move was in keeping with An Garda Síochána’s commitment to combat underage drinking. Age Cards can be obtained by individuals aged 18 and over to show that they have reached the legal age for purchasing alcohol.
Garda Youth Diversion Projects
In 2011, the 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating throughout the country signed up to new administration practices and requirements which removed the financial administration role from An Garda Síochána, and shifted the responsibility onto local community-based organisations contracted to manage the projects. This freed up local Garda management and Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers to work in partnership with the Youth Justice Workers and Project Committees to focus on better outcomes for the referred young people attending the projects.
The projects are community based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 11 Community
Farm Security Crime The Garda Racial, Intercultural Prevention Booklet Initiative & Diversity Office
On 22 September 2011, Deputy Garda In March 2011, the Garda Racial, Intercultural & Commissioner Nacie Rice launched a “Farm Diversity Office hosted the Annual Garda Diversity Security” crime prevention booklet in Castlefinn, Consultation Day. This event allows the public to Co. Donegal. This booklet, which it is hoped will contribute to An Garda Síochána’s decision making help to prevent farm-related crime, was developed processes in the area of diversity. The consultation in conjunction with the Police Service of Northern day won an award at the European Diversity in Ireland (PSNI). The launch was attended by local Policing (EDPOL) leadership conference, held in the Garda management, PSNI officers and members of Netherlands in September 2011. At the conference the Donegal branch of the Irish Farmers each partner country presented its “Best Practices” Association (IFA). in the area of policing diversity and the judging panel selected the Annual Garda Diversity Farm security is a priority for An Garda Síochána, Consultation Day as the winner. particularly in the context of curbing increases in the commission of metal theft crimes around the country, which have unfortunately included the Garda Youth Crime Case theft of items such as farm machinery and farm Management System gates. The Garda Youth Crime Case Management (YCCM) The booklet is being piloted in the Donegal System was developed in Dublin’s north inner city Division with the active support of the IFA. It is with the aim of addressing the high rate of intended that the initiative will be extended to the juvenile offending and was rolled out nationally in Northern region and eventually, nationwide. This 2010. During 2011, the system was evaluated for booklet is available at www.garda.ie. effectiveness and a final audit will be completed in March 2012. In addition, an interagency information leaflet was compiled and circulated to stakeholders.
The Initiative was recognised at the European Public Sector Awards in 2011 when it received a Certificate for Effective Practice.
With the Certificate for Effective Practice that was awarded to the YCCM are (Left to Right): Sergeant Barry Moore, Ms Rose Sweeney, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and Chief Superintendent Patrick Leahy.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 12 Community
National Crime Prevention Community Relations Unit Division meets with Chinese
The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit (NCPU) Business Community carries out research into best crime prevention On 14 March 2011, the Community Relations and reduction practices and provides advice and Division, Harcourt Square, met with delegates guidance to the public and members of An Garda from the Chinese business community. Síochána. The unit also provides training in crime prevention within the organisation. The consultation meeting was facilitated by the Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office The unit makes regular contributions to the (GRIDO). During the assembly, the participants had monthly CrimeCall TV programme and is an open and lively discussion on the challenges responsible for the development and updating of and opportunities for policing Ireland’s new and crime prevention information sheets on the Garda diverse communities. website. Members of the unit also carry out security surveys of various premises /sites The Chinese delegates were assured that throughout the country. The promotion of providing feedback to victims of crime was of the Business Watch and Crime Prevention through utmost importance to An Garda Síochána. He also Environmental Design (CPTED) principles is also a emphasised the role of Crime Prevention key function of the NCPU. Officers and urged the Chinese community to avail of all the services provided by GRIDO and their Members of the unit participate in and coordinate local Ethnic Liaison Officer (ELO). the hosting of both the CCTV Advisory Committee and CCTV Strategy Group. As part of the lead up to the Annual Consultation Meeting on Diversity, the new In 2011, the NCPU started work on a number of Mandarin translation of the Garda Crime projects including: Prevention and Community Safety Information Sheets were also exhibited. • The establishment and development of a ‘Metal Theft Forum’; • The completion of a ‘Theft from Shops Prevention & Reduction’ strategy; • The development of a ‘Farm Security’ advice booklet; • Research into the development of a ‘Burglary Prevention & Reduction’ strategy.
The Unit was also involved with the successful running of both of the Garda ‘Supporting Safer Communities’ Campaigns which were held in June and September 2011. Katie Chan, Secretary of the United Federation of Chinese in Ireland (centre) speaks to the delegation including Mr Li Chengyuan, First Secretary to the Chinese Embaassy (far right.)
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 13 Managing Our Resources
Garda College Human Resource Allocation
In 2011 the Garda College facilitated 16,792 to An Garda Síochána participants on in-house programmes ranging across the faculties from Garda Reserve Training, Public Order Tactical Advisors, Evidential Breath Strengths and Allocation as of 31 Testing Supervisors and BSc in Police Leadership. December 2011
A total of 224 Garda Reserves graduated in 2011. Garda Members 13,894 Garda Reserves receive 136 hours initial training, Garda Reserve 875 96 hours of which are delivered at the Garda Civilian Staff 2,074 College. Total 16,843
During the course of 2011 the Student/ Probationer Faculty was involved in the delivery of Strength of force broken down by Occupational First Aid Training to 720 members of rank as of 31 December 2011 the organisation. The Occupational First Aid Course is FETAC accredited and the member’s certificate is Commissioner 1 valid for two years from the date of course Deputy completion. Commissioner 2 Assistant The National Training Development Unit Commissioner 7 developed a programme in The Management of Chief Community Policing Initiatives and this was Superintendent 37 delivered to approximately 36 members of the Superintendent 149 Ugandan Police Force at the Garda College in April Inspector 319 and December 2011. Sergeant 2,024 Garda 11,355 The Continuous Professional Development Faculty Total 13,894 has responsibility for developing, co-ordinating and facilitating Garda training on a national basis. Examples of programmes delivered in 2011 Garda Reserve include Family Liaison Officers Programme, Pre-retirement Planning, Children’s First and The total number of applicants who attended for Stable and Acute. interview for the Garda Reserve in 2011was 540 of which 427 passed both written and interview tests. During 2011 the Leadership and Management Development Faculty developed and designed the 1,254 people have joined the Garda Reserve to Performance and Learning Framework (PALF) pilot date: training programme. PALF is a performance management system designed to contribute to the • 875 are operational; effective management and development of • 183 are in training; members and teams in order to achieve the • 197 resignations (including 40 who have highest levels of organisational performance. joined the full time service); • One death in service and • One member’s services were dispensed with.
Members of the Garda Reserve are attached to all
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 14 Managing Our Resources
divisions in the State. Reserve members have Collaborative procurement arrangements have settled in well in their stations and have been been undertaken with other Government bodies warmly welcomed by their full time colleagues. for many utilities and facilities including electricity, gas and laboratory equipment.
Finance National Procurement Service: An Garda Síochána The current budgetary strategy is aimed at fully utilises frameworks established by the securing increased efficiencies in the National Procurement Service (NPS) for common deployment of Garda resources. This has been goods and services where value for money can be largely achieved through cost savings initiatives achieved. The NPS has established frameworks for and value for money from a strategic procurement stationary, office equipment and supplies, approach and centralisation of purchasing. uniforms, boots, personal protective equipment, fuel, advertising, vehicles, IT/ Communications, Continued efficiencies were delivered in e- equipment and furniture. governance in 2011. All salary and travel & subsistence payments to Garda Members are now Housing paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) in compliance with the Croke Park Agreement. Work The improvements to the Garda estate in the form also commenced in 2011 on the implementation of the provision of new stations, facilities and of an on-line payslip for both Garda and civilian refurbishments in 2011 include the following: members. • New Stations were opened at Ballincollig and A competitive tender for the collection of fixed Castleisland; charge notices was completed in 2011 and • Major extensions were completed at Kilkenny awarded to the successful tenderer. Divisional Headquarters, Clonark and Ballybofey; • Refurbishment works were completed at Financial controls are well established at all levels Mullingar, Ballybofey and Mountjoy; within An Garda Síochána with an integrated • Fit outs were completed at Ashtown Gate and financial management system that supports the Thurles. devolution of budgetary responsibility. The Finance Directorate is constantly updating and improving its procedures. Garda Professional Standards Unit Procurement In 2011, the Garda Professional Standards Unit Tender Office: All Garda tender competitions are (GPSU) continued to review the implementation carried out in accordance with EU Directives, of organisational policy and procedures and National Procurement Procedures and relevant identify best practice policing methods. Legislation. In 2011, An Garda Síochána published 35 tender notices on the Government e-tenders In addition to carrying out examinations in 15 website. If the value of the contract will exceed operational divisions and three headquarters €125,000 over its lifetime the tenders must be divisions and reviews in 13 operational divisions, published in the Official Journal of the European the GPSU has assisted in the development of Union (OJEU). Three such tenders were published comprehensive improvement plans which are now on the OJEU in 2011 viz. in place in over 60 Garda districts. This ensures that continuous improvement is deeply • Resource deployment and recording system; embedded within processes and procedures to • Service, repair and maintenance of the fleet; achieve An Garda Síochána’s vision of ‘Excellent • Fumigation of cells and vehicles in the Dublin People Delivering Policing Excellence.’ area.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 15 Managing Our Resources
In recognition of the GPSU’s Continuous the health & safety of members of An Garda Improvement Programme, Excellence Ireland Síochána, improved the coordination, command Quality Association (EIQA) awarded the Unit a Q and control of major events like the State Visits in Mark for Quality Management Systems, in the 2011 and enabled the adoption of a divisional “Journey Towards Excellence” Category, at the control structure with the opportunity of National Q Mark Awards in October 2011. The upgrading to a multi-divisional control unit won the award ahead of a number of other structure. There are over 15,044,692 separate organisations in the public and private sector. radio transmissions / calls made each week on the system.
ICT Role in the State Visits
ICT played a critical role in the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama to Ireland in May 2011, providing the following services:
• Communication plans for both visits were formulated and forwarded to all operational commanders; • The supply and support of fixed and mobile Members of the Garda Professional Standards Unit, who were telephony and data facilities; awarded a Q Mark for Quality Management Systems. • CCTV facilities were provided at mobile and fixed control centres. Over 15 additional CCTV cameras were installed at locations where Information and Communi- existing systems were not available or did not cations Technologies (ICT) provide sufficient coverage; • A Control Room was established at Harcourt Square. There were also control rooms in Cork Ireland eGovernment National City, Naas and Cork Airport. In addition to fixed Award Winner control rooms, mobile control rooms were set up in locations where permanent control rooms An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service were were not available; the joint overall winners of the 2011 eGovernment • Equipment for searching and screening of guests award for the Criminal Justice Interoperability and staff was deployed at various locations; Programme (CJIP). • Technical support equipment provided included binoculars, search lights, loudhailers, CJIP provides for the electronic exchange of camcorders, thermal imaging equipment and summons applications, court outcomes, bail and under car mirrors. warrant records between both agencies, delivering annual operational savings of €5.7million.
National Digital Radio System
In March 2011, the rollout of the National Digital Radio System (NDRS) was completed. The adoption of NDRS represents a huge leap forward for An Garda Síochána operations. The system has delivered reliable, secure and high quality communications capabilities nationwide, enhanced
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 16 Traffic Road Traffic Strategy
The Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2007 – 2011 stands at 171, this is 11 less than in 2010. 2012 was published on 25 October 2007. The The number of fatal collisions has decreased year primary aim of the strategy is to reduce collisions, on year since 2005. deaths and injuries on Irish roads by 30%. It aims to bring Ireland in line with those countries that are considered to have the safest roads in the world, such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom.
The population of Ireland, according to the results of preliminary survey carried out by Central Statistics Office in 2011, was 4,581,269, which represents an 8.1% increase compared to 2006. On the other hand, the fatalities decreased to 186 in 2011, which represents 41 fatalities per million of population, which currently meets the projected 2012 target.
Fatal and Serious Injury Road Traffic Collisions
The following chart outlines the position regarding fatal collisions/fatalities and serious collisions/injuries from 2003 to 2011.
Year Fatal Fatalities Serious Serious Collisions Injury Injuries The launch of the ‘Don’t be hasty’ campaign at Heuston Collisions Station, Dublin in September 2011, which aimed to raise awareness of road safety among pedestrians. 2003 301 335 796 1,009 2004 334 374 662 877 2005 360 396 787 1,021 Speeding 2006 321 365 653 907 In view of the contribution of speed to collisions 2007 309 338 618 860 on our roads, speed enforcement plays a 2008 254 279 613 835 significant part in the Garda enforcement 2009 223 238 452 709 strategy. There were 44,339 speeding intercept 2010 182 212 384 597 detections reported during 2011 compared to 56,319 reported in the same period in 2010, 2011 171 186 335 465 which represents a 21.3% decrease. However this was offset by a significant increase in non- intercept detections that increased from 101,804 Between 1 January and 31 December 2011, there to 218,263 in 2010 and 2011 respectively, which were 186 fatalities on our roads, 26 less when represent a 114% increase. Thus the overall speed compared to 2010. The number of fatal collisions in detections increased by more than 66%.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 17 Traffic
Mobile Speed Detection Sligo Garda Wins Road Systems Safety Prize
Changes in Garda speed enforcement have been On 12 October 2011, the Leading Lights in Road introduced with the objective of enhancing road Safety Awards took place at Farmleigh House. safety through a reduction in the number of speed The Awards were introduced in 2008 by the Road related collisions by: Safety Authority (RSA) to celebrate the exceptional efforts of everyday people across Ireland to • Improving compliance with speed limits; promote road safety in their communities. • Reducing the speed of vehicles at locations that have a history of speed related collisions; One of the award winners was Garda Andrew • Acting as a deterrent to driving at excessive Keegan, who is based in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo. speeds. Garda Keegan won the award for his work with his local primary school, Scoil Chriost Rí. He has been Analysis of collision data has been carried out to working closely with the school for many years, identity locations within the road network where helping to instil lifelong road safety skills in the there is a propensity for collisions. Based on this pupils. analysis Garda activities have been prioritised in areas where the highest propensity for collisions The Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards was exists. just one of the events that took place during Irish Road Safety Week in October 2011. Eight mobile speed detection systems are operated by An Garda Síochána. In addition, under the direction of An Garda Síochána, in excess of 6,000 hours per month of speed monitoring is carried out through an outsourced service provider.
Mandatory Alcohol Testing
The legislation underpinning Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) was introduced in July 2006, and is re-stated in Section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 2010. The legislation has been extremely helpful to the Garda organisation in tackling drink driving. There were 10,872 detected drink driving incidents recorded on PULSE, the Garda Database, in 2011. This compares to 13,086 for 2010, a decrease of 17%.
There were 71,122 checkpoints conducted in 2011 compared to 57,523 checkpoints in 2010, an increase of 24%. At these checkpoints in 2011, Mr Gay Byrne, Chairman of the Road Safety Authority presents 538,392 breath tests were carried out compared Garda Andrew Keegan with his award. to 565,132 in 2010. On average, in 2011, 1 in 492 drivers (0.2%) tested at a checkpoint were positive for alcohol or refused/failed to provide a sample. This ratio is trending downward from 0.25% in 2010.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 18 Regional Report
Dublin Metropolitan Region
DMR East (Dún Laoghaire and Blackrock Garda Districts)
On 8 July 2011, Community Gardaí from Kill O Grange, Cabinteely and Shankill organised a coffee morning in Shankill Garda Station to coincide with Macra Na Feirme ‘Know Your Neighbour Weekend.’ The morning, which was very well attended, provided an opportunity for local voluntary agencies to network and interact. Gardaí used the coffee morning to Shankill Community Gardaí and staff from the Road Safety present cheques totalling €3,325 to three local Authority worked closely together at the road safety event at Lions Clubs in the area. The coffee morning was Shankill Garda Station in November 2011. also used to raise money for the ‘Shankill Tidy Towns’ initiative. A sum of €507 was raised, €150 the presentations and provided information on of which was used for plants and clean-up near new road traffic legislation. the Garda Station. From 26 – 30 September 2011, the Shankill The eighth annual Garda ‘Supporting Safer CPU ran a crime prevention campaign to coincide Communities Week’ ran from 20 – 27 September with Positive Ageing Week, which is run by Age 2011 and the Shankill Community Policing Unit Action Ireland. The campaign was of particular (CPU) played an active role in the campaign. CPU relevance to Shankill CPU as the division has a members visited schools and gave advice on safe particularly high number of older people. The cycling and safe keeping of bicycles. Gardaí campaign targeted older people who are distributed a form which assists with the particularly vulnerable to thefts from the person, recording of serial numbers of bikes sold locally. bogus callers and burglary. To emphasise safe road use by pedestrians and cyclists, Gardaí also distributed literature CPU members also visited groups and from the Road Safety Authority and high visibility associations including the Irish Country Women’s jackets in schools, clubs and associations. Association, Shankill Old Folks, Shankill Active Retirement Association, and Ballybrack Active On 2 November 2011, the Shankill CPU held a Retirement Group, providing information and road safety event which was attended by advice. approximately 800 people. Dublin Fire Brigade gave a demonstration on how they would In June 2011 Gardaí from Dún Laoghaire formally attend to a serious traffic collision and also talked launched the GetWise programme. The initiative about the machinery and equipment they use. aims to promote community and Garda Paramedics from the HSE ambulance engagement by: demonstrated how they would respond to a crash scene. Personnel from GoSafe, the private • Promoting awareness of the role of An operator of Garda speed cameras, were present Garda Síochána; and explained the objectives of GoSafe • Creating an environment whereby operations. Road Safety Authority personnel also communities can share common attended the event with their shuttle bus, which is concerns and develop suitable responses; fitted with various simulators and proved to be a • Allowing people to share ideas in very effective educational tool. Members from the developing sensible and responsible Garda National Traffic Bureau (GNTB) assisted with
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 19 Regional Report
patterns of behaviour which support the the event went to the Remember Us Special Needs community; Group. The handcuffing took place in a car park • Helping individuals within community in Balbriggan Town directly after the Summerfest groups to develop confidence and skills. parade, which was led by the Garda Mounted Unit.
The Programme has been delivered to the The event generated superb public support, Travelling Community, ethnic minorities, residents community involvement and good publicity for associations, Neighbourhood Watch and Older the Balbriggan community, and also raised €4,500 Persons Network, early school leavers and people for the Remember Us Group which provides an with intellectual disabilities. It has been very invaluable service to families living with and successful in empowering marginalised groups caring for people with special needs. and communities and it has also enabled Gardaí to engage the community in matters relative to policing, thereby improving community participation in crime prevention and investigation.
Members of An Garda Síochána in action at the fundraising boxing event at the Stillorgan Park Hotel.
The Swords Community Policing Unit (CPU) had a busy and proactive 2011, as it continued to organise and participate in events and activities for teenagers from the Youth Service. At the launch of the Getwise Programme were (left to right): Garda Georgina Reilly, Garda Sean Greene and Garda Reserve During the summer, the Unit organised a visit to Kieran Brown. the Garda Mounted Unit in the Phoenix Park for members of the Youth Service. The Unit also On 19 November 2011, five members of An Garda facilitated the participation by teenagers in the Síochána from the Dublin Metropolitan Eastern Service in a course about knife crime prevention Region took part in a fundraising boxing event in and alcohol and drugs abuse. aid of Angels Community Boxing Club,
Sandyford, Co. Dublin and the Tanya McCabe In August 2011, a mock court case was held at Foundation. The Tanya McCabe Foundation is a Swords District Court, with a local law student charity that aims to purchase research playing the part of the Judge. This was an equipment for Temple Street Hospital and Our opportunity for young people to see the local Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. District Court, learn about court procedure and Approximately 400 people attended the event in get an insight into the consequences of criminal the Stillorgan Park Hotel, making it a great activity. In addition, the participation of a local success. law student highlighted the benefits of staying in formal education. DMR North On 17 June 2011, Community Gardaí from (Ballymun, Coolock and Raheny Garda Districts) Swords took part in an eight kilometer charity fun run to raise both awareness and funds for On 3 June 2011, Gardaí from Balbriggan set a new the Marie Keating Foundation and the Irish world record when they organised the handcuffing Cancer Foundation. As well as Gardaí, teachers, of 912 people in Balbriggan Town. Proceeds from parents and cancer patients also took part. The
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 20 Regional Report
event was a great success and €2,300 was DMR South raised. (Crumlin, Terenure and Tallaght Garda Districts) On 3 October 2011, the Swords Community Policing Unit in conjunction with the Swords re Lions Club launched the ‘Message in a Bottle’ On 12 May 2011, Terenure Garda Station hosted initiative. a coffee morning in aid of The Friends of St. Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar. As well as raising money for The aim of the project is to help vulnerable or The Friends of St. Luke’s, the occasion provided older people with medical conditions. Participants an opportunity for members of the community to in the scheme place a green sticker on their front meet their local Gardaí, and each other, and to door. Then, if calling to the house, Emergency enhance and strengthen community networks. Services will see the sticker and know to go to the Businesses in the community were invited to fridge where there will be a plastic bottle support this venture by way of a donation and containing a photograph and medical information responded very generously, and many sports stars of the person. This information is often vital to donated signed memorabilia. Approximately 500 the first people responding to an emergency. people attended the morning and entertainment was provided by the Garda Band. A total of €15,000 was raised for the hospital.
Helping to set the new handcuffing world record were (left to right): Inspector Declan Yeates, Garda Kate Daly Ní Bhroin, Sergeant Tony Tighe, Mr Gary Tolan (Balbriggan Summerfest Committee), Garda Dave Sheeran and ‘An Cathaoirleach’ Mr Inspector Noreen McBrien and Superintendent Lorraine Frank Snowe. Wheatley, Terenure Garda Station present the cheque to Ms Deirdre Hughes, Friends of St. Luke’s.
DMR South Central (Pearse Street, Kevin Street and Donnybrook DMR West Garda Districts) (Blanchardstown, Lucan and Clondalkin Garda Districts)
On 15 September 2011, 250 members of the Kevin Street/Kilmainham Garda District Senior On 24 September 2011 Blanchardstown Garda Citizens Group made their 25th annual trip to Station hosted a Family Open Day. The event Kenmare, Co. Kerry, accompanied by 30 attracted a large crowd and was very busy for the volunteers including local Gardaí and nurses. The duration. Many Garda units were represented at project was set up in 1985 to assist isolated and the Open Day including the Mounted Unit, Dog vulnerable older people from the south inner city. Unit, Water Unit, and the Garda Museum. Visitors A full programme of events and day trips took could tour the station and availed of the place over the weekend along with a special opportunity to meet Community Gardaí, the local celebratory mass which took place in the Holy Drug Task Force and members of the Emergency Cross Church in Kenmare. Response Unit (ERU). A range of Garda motorbikes, pedal bikes and cars were on
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 21 Regional Report
display alongside the mobile Command and • The Launch of ‘Ballyfermot Network Challenging Control Unit and the presentation by Dublin Fire Violence Against Women’ which took place on 7 Brigade, which attracted a lot of interest. Music December 2011. The aim of this network is to was provided by the Garda Band and there were highlight domestic violence and the services plenty of other attractions including vintage cars, available to people affected by this issue; face painting, arts and crafts and a farmers’ • Family Scope Awards Ceremony at St Matthew’s market. Local radio station, Phoenix FM Church Community Hall for a presentation of broadcasted live on the day from the Garda certificated to families who had completed a 14 Station. week course based on family issues; • Senior Citizens Craft Fair which was organised to bring together services for older people.
Supporting these events gives the Gardaí in Ballyfermot an opportunity to meet with the community, listen to any concerns and offer advice. This in turn assists the Gardaí in building a strong relationship with the community.
Southern Region
Garda Ofelia Hough and Sergeant Joseph McLaughlin welcomed Kerry visitors to Blanchardstown Garda Station Open Day. (Tralee, Cahirciveen, Killarney and Listowel Garda Districts) From the 12 November to 3 December 2011, Community Gardaí from Ronanstown Garda On 24 September 2011, Tralee Garda Station held a Late Night Soccer League in the Station held its first ever open day. The event North Clondalkin area. The League took place in was attended by over 2,000 people including the partnership with the Football Association of Mayor of Tralee, Councillor Grace O’Donnell. Ireland (FAI) and the South Dublin County Council (SDCC). Gardaí transformed the station yard by attaching balloons and international flags to the perimeter Over 75 local young people between the age of 12 fence and parking Garda vehicles in the shape of a and 18 took part in the league each Saturday night star. They arranged activities for children between 9pm and 11pm. The League provided including ‘Dress up’ in the Garda Uniform, trying them with the opportunity to play soccer together Garda equipment like the handcuffs, baton and while interacting with local Gardaí from radio and colouring Garda themed pictures. Ronanstown, SDCC staff and the FAI development Children got balloons and sweets which had been officers. The league was very successful in donated by local businesses. Face painting and helping to develop Garda-Community relations in music was provided by the Kerry Diocesan Youth the area. Service.
Throughout 2011 the Community Policing Many Garda units were present including the Public Unit at Ballyfermot Garda Station facilitated and Order Unit, the Scenes of Crime Unit which supported many community organised events facilitated fingerprinting, the Drugs Unit, the including: Detective Unit which supervised the display of firearms, and the Traffic Unit which promoted • Late Night Soccer League at Ballyfermot Avenue ‘Bikesafe’ and advised on child safety. Tours of Park, which is run in conjunction with the F.A.I the station were also available. and The Base, a youth development initiative in the Ballyfermot area; The day was a great success and generated very
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 22 Regional Report
positive feedback, and Tralee Gardaí found the In July, the Community Policing Unit in Anglesea experience to be an extremely positive way of Street organised the third annual five-a-side raising their profile in the community. World Cup soccer tournament which was held at the Sam Allen sports complex in Churchfield and funded by the Cork Sports Partnership. There were entrants from 16 different nations, making the event a great success.
During Interculturalism and Anti Racism Week and as part of the Cork Integration Strategy, An Garda Síochána in the Cork City Division re-launched a “Reporting Racism” initiative. This initiative encourages victims of racially motivated crime to report an incident at a location that they are comfortable with.
Other initiatives throughout the year included: The team at Tralee Garda Station gave a warm welcome at the • Launch of Friendly Call Service for older Station’s first open day in September 2011. people living alone; • Car Crime Initiative at Douglas Shopping Centre; Cork City • Cork Drugs Awareness Week; (Anglesea Street, Gurranabraher, Mayfield and • Clean Up Day in Gurranabraher; Togher Garda Districts) • Gurranabraher Garda Football League; • Establishment of Project ReFocus. On 10 June 2011, Community Gardaí from Barrack Street held an outdoor music event on the Quadrangle UCC. Performers on the night included Cork West Cara O’Sullivan, Peter Corry and the Garda Band (Bandon, Bantry, Clonakilty, Kanturk and and the event raised €45,000 for the Hope Macroom Garda Districts) Foundation and Bee for Battens Disease. On 23 June 2011, two students from Saint Goban’s The Bonfire Night Initiative, which is organised by College in Bantry were honoured by County Cork Community Gardaí alongside Cork City Council VEC for a road safety project, which they had was a huge success again in 2011. A number of submitted to the BT Young Scientists Exhibition. park events were held with controlled bonfires and Their project analysed the factors that influence entertainment providing a safe environment for adherence to displayed speed limits. The students families. The events were attended by an were assisted in carrying out their project by estimated 10,000 people. Cork City Council later Community Gardaí. As a result of the students’ held a reception for the organisers and the Lord project the National Roads Authority (NRA) Mayor praised the work of all involved. awarded Cork County Council €15,000 for traffic calming measures in Kealkil Village. On 17 October 2011, Gardaí in Cork City launched a public awareness campaign on knife and weapon crime at Cork City Hall. The campaign was part of the ‘How Big Do You Feel’ project and its objective was to prevent crime, and educate young people about the dangers of knives and weapons. A series of school and college visits were also organised to promote the campaign.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 23 Regional Report
Northern Region
the majority of whom are from disadvantaged or Donegal vulnerable backgrounds, attended the league (Letterkenny, Glenties, Ballyshannon, Buncrana and Milford Garda Districts) every Tuesday night, making it a great success.
In May 2011, Gardaí from Ardee held a Following a death by suicide in the Mevagh area successful event called ‘The Gardaí and the of Carrigart, Gardaí in Dongeal in conjunction with Community.’ President Mary McAleese was the the Mevagh Family Resource Centre (MFRC) guest of honour at the event which took place at organised a meeting to consider issues the Ardee Parochial Centre and was attended by regarding loneliness and isolation in the over 1,000 people. community. During 2011, the Louth Division worked closely As a result of this meeting, a steering group was with Louth County Council and the Louth Older formed comprising representatives from An Garda People’s Forum to establish the Louth Age Friendly Síochána, HSE, Mental Health Ireland, community County Alliance. Through the work of the alliance, groups, North West Alcohol Forum and the MFRC. Co. Louth was designated an ‘age friendly county’, the first county in Ireland to achieve this status. The objective of the project is to respond to issues of loneliness and isolation by organising President Mary McAleese launched the Louth Age awareness events, engaging with unemployed Friendly County website during 2011. The Louth young people and assessing their needs, Garda Division has a dedicated webpage on this informing children leaving national school of the site which is updated regularly with security and dangers of bullying and peer pressure, and crime prevention advice as well as contact responding to community concerns raised at details for every Garda station in Co. Louth and the round table forums. names and contact details of Community Gardaí across the county. The project was selected by the Garda Commissioner for consideration for the Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Award.
Louth (Drogheda and Dundalk Garda Districts)
In February 2011, over 800 primary school pupils attended a road safety event which was held at the Community Centre, Ardee, Co. Louth. Community Gardaí co-ordinated the road show with help from the Louth Division Traffic Corps
and Garda Reserve members attached to Ardee Over 800 primary school pupils from Ardee attended the Garda Station. A group of nine transition year students Road Safety Event. assisted and the Road Safety Authority also helped with this event.
In November 2011, the Dundalk Community Policing Unit ran a six-week street league at the JJB Dundalk Soccer Dome. Over 250 teenagers,
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 24 Regional Report
Eastern Region
Meath Waterford (Kells, Navan, Trim and Ashbourne Garda (Waterford, Dungarvan and Tramore Garda Districts) Districts)
On 26 November 2011, the first Garda Home Gardaí from the Waterford district played an Security Exhibition was held at the Ardboyne important role in the success of the international Hotel, Navan. Over 30 exhibitors took part in the tall ships race which took place in July 2011. event which was attended by an estimated 3,500 With over half a million visitors to Waterford City people. The event was a huge success and for the occasion, this event was the largest single proceeds of over €1,000 were donated to the public event held in Ireland in 2011, and the LauraLynn House Foundation. largest ever event to be hosted in the South East.
Upwards of 400 Gardaí were involved in the South Eastern Region policing operation in activities such as traffic management, event policing, air support, Kilkenny / Carlow mounted units, water units and crowd control. (Kilkenny, Thomastown and Carlow Garda Districts) The success of the project was indicated by the organisers, Sail Train International, who have already expressed their intention to bring the On 30 March 2011, members of the Kilkenny race back to Waterford City. Community Policing Unit attended the launch of the Kilkenny Age-Friendly County Strategy which took place in the Ormonde Hotel. The aim of the Tipperary initiative was to increase the participation of older (Thurles, Cahir, Clonmel, Nenagh, Templemore people in the social, economic and cultural life of and Tipperary Garda Districts) the community, to improve the health and well-being of older people in the county and to show how services and supports for older people Gardaí from the Tipperary Division organised a can be made more responsive, caring, Sports Week in August 2011 in Kennedy Park. professional and accessible, through imaginative The highlight of the week was a soccer match and cost-effective partnerships. between local Gardaí and young people.
In September 2011, 40 Gardaí from Kilkenny and The weekend was filled with music and fun Carlow took part in a 100km cycle to raise funds events and concluded with music from for a Christmas party for older people. A total of Templemore Pipe Band and a Fancy Dress €5,000 was raised which enabled Gardaí to hold Parade. The event was considered a success and a very enjoyable party in the Ormonde Hotel in was enjoyed by both the local community and December. Gardaí alike.
Also in 2011, Gardaí from Kilkenny / Carlow In December 2011, Gardaí from the Tipperary launched the successful Doorstep Crime leaflet Traffic Corps organised a Road Safety Show in and sticker which was designed to assist people Parnell Street car park, Thurles. The event was in recognising bogus doorstep traders and well attended and almost 1,500 hi-visibility provide advice on what to do if they call. Roard Safety Authority vests, arm bands and ruck-sack covers were distributed.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 25 Regional Report
proceeds of which, over €20,000, went to Western Region Crumlin Children’s Hospital Dublin. Seven members attached to the Gort District organised Mayo a 7-a-side Gaelic Football competition in October (Castlebar, Ballina, Belmullet, Claremorris, 2011, in which 12 primary schools took part. Swinford and Westport Garda Districts)
Roscommon/Longford There are currently two crime prevention (Roscommon, Boyle, Castlerea, Granard and initiatives in operation in the Mayo Division, Longford Garda Districts) which are the Youth Action Projects based in Castlebar and Ballina. During 2011, Garda In early 2011, the Roscommon Community Juvenile Liaison Officers frequently used these Policing Unit, in conjunction with Roscommon projects to divert young people away from the County Council, organised a poster competition Criminal Justice System. Throughout the year for primary schools on the theme of road safety. participants on the programmes took part Some 416 pupils from 24 primary schools in various sporting activities and initiatives participated and the best three posters were aimed at improving their physical and mental displayed in Roscommon County Library. The well-being including self-defence, driver event was judged a success, both in terms of theory test, rock-climbing, orienteering, raising awareness about road safety and also cycling, soccer, camping and fishing. providing a platform for community engagement Participants also visited a number of prisons, between Gardaí and young people. an experience which it is hoped will deter them from future involvement in crime. In September 2011, Community Gardaí in the Garda Districts of Roscommon, Boyle and Galway Castlerea held a Harvest Gathering for 250 older (Galway, Salthill, Clifden, Gort, Loughrea, people in Fourmilehouse Community Centre, who Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda Districts) enjoyed entertainment and a cookery demonstration and were able to avail of advice on Community Policing Units in the Galway Division personal safety and active retirement. had a busy 2011, highlights of which included an Open Day at the Garda Ballybane Community Roscommon Town Business Watch, which was Office , the establishment of a new established by Roscommon Community Policing Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in the Unit in conjunction with Roscommon Chamber of hosting of a local Maunsell’s Road Area, and the Commerce, was launched on 26 October 2011. Polish School at Ballinasloe Garda Station during To date, 200 businesses have signed up to the Social Inclusion Week. In May 2011, Gardaí based scheme which has continued to improve the Charity Cycle/Climb in Salthill organised a , the relationship between the town's business community and An Garda Síochána.
Clare (Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Shannon Garda Districts)
The Shannon Community Policing Beat the Streets soccer tournament took place in November 2011. Over 100 teenagers took part in the league which aims to provide an alternative activity to anti-social behaviour. This event continues to improve community relations between young Participants in the charity cycle/climb raised over €20,000 for people and Gardaí in Shannon. Crumlin Children’s Hospital Dublin.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 26 Regional Report
State Visits
The successful state visits of Queen Elizabeth elsewhere. Real time visit details were II and President Barack Obama in May 2011 communicated instantly. Traffic updates and were underpinned by an unprecedented information bulletins were published in a Garda policing and security operation. timely fashion on the Garda website and via Twitter. Queries from the public and media Strategic planning devised by senior Garda tweeted to the account, which mainly management and the Garda Commissioner concerned traffic restrictions, were was implemented throughout the force and responded to immediately detailing accurate orchestrated the efforts of the entire security updates informed by the real-time operation. Detailed plans, logistics and information. equipment were circulated as An Garda Síochána prepared for the largest policing The historical nature of these events meant operation in the history of the state. that it was important for An Garda Síochána to capture them unfolding. Accordingly, The massive effort was coordinated by many Garda photographers produced a Garda departments including Public Order, comprehensive record of Garda involvement the Emergency Response Unit, the over those busy days. This record will Traffic Corp, the Press Office and hopefully stand as a striking visual testimony Photography and Ballistics Units. Garda to what was achieved by the organisation technicians were available 24 hours a day to during the visits. prove an array of services and technical advice. Fixed telephone and CCTV On 9 June 2011 the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, units combined with supplementary TD, acknowledged the efforts, quality and mobile units provided coverage of all professionalism that An Garda Síochána necessary locations. Purpose built control exhibited when he presented the Garda rooms streamed live images and updates Commissioner Martin Callinan with the from the Garda Air Support Unit, CCTV ‘Public Service Excellence Award.’ surveillance, Garda Radio and newsfeeds. This, in conjunction with the physical On 26 November, An Garda Síochána won security and counter surveillance sweeps, the ‘Premier’ award at the Irish Security meant that every effort was made to ensure Industry Association Awards at Carton house security for the visits was impermeable. in Maynooth which was given in recognition of the success of policing and In addition to this, An Garda Síochána security operations during the State visits. maintained and controlled duties
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 27 Strategic Goals Strategic Goal One - Ensuring our Nation’s Security Performance Indicator Details
No terrorist attacks occurring within the State. No terrorist attacks took place in the State.
Operations were continued, both domestic and international throughout the year. Intelligence packages were exchanged daily with both internal (AGS) and external agencies (BSS, PSNI, CIA & others).
Enhanced intelligence gathering to support During 2011, Crime & Security continued to provide intelligence to investigators of targeted operations against terrorist and both domestic and international terrorism. Intelligence was gathered in respect of extremist groups. unlawful organisations. 21 Arrests have been made in respect of this activity. These arrests were as a result of intelligence disseminated from Crime and Security to local Gardaí and the Special Detective Unit.
Levels of activity against organised crime Liaison continued throughout 2011 with investigators in connection with gangs and subversive/terrorist groups. terrorist groups. This liaison is mirrored by the National Criminal Intelligence Unit which liaises with National Support Services and local Garda management on a daily basis throughout the year.
Number of Regional Support Unit (RSU) call The number of Regional Support Unit (RSU) call outs to crisis incidents in 2011 was outs to crisis incidents. 1,639: Western Region: 398 (Crisis incident is defined as the number of occasions Eastern Region: 163 the RSU was deployed in armed mode (whether Southern Region: 771 pre-planned or not) including crisis incidents, searches, executing warrants, escorts and Northern Region: 307 checkpoints.)
Crisis incident management training Concepts of Crisis Incident Management Training are currently incorporated in Tiger conducted. Kidnapping, Hostage Negotiation Training and Public Order Commanders courses.
Major emergency planning exercises carried During 2011, there were 38 table top and interagency live exercises across all out in all Garda regions. Garda regions.
Working in conjunction with relevant A number of meetings have taken place between the Office of Emergency Planning Government Departments & Agencies to assist (OEP) and An Garda Síochána in an effort to progress the issue of a National in the development of a National Strategy on Strategy on Critical Infrastructure. A delegation from the OEP is examining the Critical Infrastructure. approach of the London Civil Contingency and the overall policy in the UK on this matter. It has been established that there are nine national infrastructure sectors (This amended performance indicator is which provide essential services namely Energy, Water, Food, Communications, intended to encourage relevant departments and Finance, Transportation, Health, Emergency services and Government. agencies to progress a National Strategy on Critical Infrastructure.) Having examined critical infrastructure and discussed the issues with the OEP and other agencies, it is apparent that An Garda Síochána does not have ownership of any area of critical Infrastructure and that 80% of it is in private ownership. Threats to Critical Infrastructure can result from a number of occurrences such as climatic disturbances, natural disasters, and accidents, terrorist or criminal interference. Determining a National Strategy is essential to ensure that the response is adequate and that the uses of states resources are optimised. It is intended that the strategy required will be focused with risk-informed prevention, protection and preparedness activities involving all of the stakeholders so that the risks are managed and reduced as much as possible.
The Office of Emergency Planning is currently coordinating a National Risk Assessment with government departments and agencies including An Garda Síochána which will also identify elements of critical infrastructure.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 28 Strategic Goals
Strategic Goals Strategic Goal Two - Confronting Crime Performance Indicator Details
Number of investigation files in relation to During 2011, there were 14 files forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions organised criminal activity (Criminal Justice in relation to organised criminal activity Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. (Amendment) Act 2009) forwarded to Director of Public Prosecutions.
Levels of activity against organised crime In 2011, there were 259 arrests made in relation to intelligence-led operations groups. against organised groups. The value of drugs seized in 2011 was in excess of €30m. Monies in excess of €500,000 were seized.
Intelligence reports relating to organised During 2011 there were 684 intelligence reports relating to organised crime. crime.
Intelligence led operations against groups During 2011, there were 572 grow houses located under intelligence-led and individuals involved in the operation operations resulting in 26,531 cannabis plants (monetary value of €10.5m) seized. of ‘Grow Houses.’
Crimes against the person reduced in line In 2011, both national and regional reductions were on target. with Strategy Statement commitments. Crimes against the person reduction was on target in 82.1% of divisions in 2011, compared with 57.1% in 2010.
Detections for crimes against the person Detection rates for Crimes Against the Person are currently 1.4% above baseline increased in line with Strategy Statement target. commitments.
Property crime reduced in line with Strategy In 2011, reduction was on target in 50% of divisions. Statement commitments.
Detections for property related crime Detection rates for Property Crime 0.4% below the baseline of 34.2% for the year increased in line with Strategy Statement ending 2011. commitments.
Number of ‘HSE Formal Notification’ in In 2011, the total figure for formal notifications to the HSE was 9,096. relation to crimes against children.
All persons subject to the provisions of the At the end 2011, the number of persons subject to the Sex Offenders Act 2001 Sexual Offenders Act 2001 risk assessed. was 1,177. The total number of persons subject to the Sex Offenders Act 2001 who were risked assessed was 1,075. The number of convicted sex offenders risk assessed in 2011 was 1,404.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 29 Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal Three - Effective Roads Policing
Performance Indicator Details
Deaths and serious injuries reduced. There were 186 fatalities in 2011 compared with 212 fatalities in 2010, a reduction of 12%. There were 467 serious injuries in 2011 compared with 597 serious injuries in 2010, a reduction of 22%. The overall national reduction in Fatal and Serious Injury Collisions target was met. The target was met in all regions. It was on target in 100% of divisions.
Increased compliance with speed limits. There were 262,602 fixed charge notices issued for speeding offences in 2011 compared to 158,123 fixed charge notices in 2010. This is an increase of 66.1%.
Targets have been achieved as the number of fixed charge notices increased by 66% in 2011 compared with 2010 which corresponded with the introduction of the outsourced safety camera project. At the same time, compliance with speed limits at speed enforcement zones increased from 89% at the start of the year to 96% by year end.
Increased compliance with drink driving The total roadside breath tests at MAT checkpoints in 2011 were 538,392 legislation. compared to 565,132 roadside breath tests at MAT checkpoints in 2010.
The number of MAT checkpoints carried out in 2011 was 71,122, a 23.6% increase on last year. Detections for Driving While Intoxicated in 2011was 17% lower than the previous year.
All targets have been achieved for 2011 - the proportion of drivers failing the road side breath test at MAT checkpoints was 1 in 500 in 2011, compared with 1 in 385 in 2010. This represents a continuing improvement in the level of compliance with drink driving legislation.
Increased seatbelt wearing. Fixed charge notices issued for seatbelt offences for 2011 were 15,606 compared with 17,332 for 2010. This is a decrease of 10%.
The number of fixed charge notices for seatbelt offences fell by 10% in 2011 compared with 2010.
80% of speed enforcement carried out in speed There were 3,492 sessions carried out by the Garda Robot vans in 2011. enforcement zones using speed detection The breakdown for year ending 2011, of the % non-intercept enforcement was: vehicles. 21% in zones, 79% not in zones. GoSafe conduct 100% of their enforcement within zones. In total (based on GoSafe accounting for 80% of all enforcement) 84.2% of all non intercept speed enforcement was completed in a zone in 2011.
Field impairment testing delivered to all The Preliminary Impairment Training course for instructors was fully completed in operational members. 2011.
The Road Traffic Field Impairment Testing Training was not fully completed during 2011. The majority of operational members were trained in Field Impairment Testing during 2011. However, due to pending legislative changes, refresher training will be required once that has been enacted later in 2012.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 30 Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal Three - Effective Roads Policing Strategic Goal Three - Effective Roads Policing (Continued)
Performance Indicator Details
Review of Garda Road Safety Awareness The Review of Garda Road Safety Awareness Communications programme (‘It Communications Programme implemented. won’t happen to me’) was completed in 2011 and the recommendation will be that the programme be roll-out during 2012.
Casualty Reduction Strategy implemented in In 2011, the Casualty Reduction Strategy was completed and implemented in all all divisions. regions except for the Northern Region. It is expected that the Northern Region will be completed by the end of March 2012.
Targeted High Visibility Strategy of crime Targeted High Visibility Strategy of Crime Checkpoints aimed at detecting checkpoints aimed at detecting travelling travelling criminals completed and implemented in 2011. criminals completed and implemented.
Number of positive hits on ANPR in relation to There was consultation with An Garda Síochána Analysis Service regarding ANPR traffic-related offences. Centralised Search Facility and it was finalised in 2011. The pilot of internal publication of ANPR monthly Tactical Assessment was completed.
Feasibility study of wireless enablement of The feasibility study of wireless enablement of ANPR using 3G technology has ANPR using 3G technology completed. been completed.
Criminal Interdiction Programme developed During 2011, the Criminal Interdiction Programme was developed for all Traffic for all Traffic Corps member. Corps members.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 31 Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal Four - Ensuring A Peaceful Community Strategic Goal Five - Working With Communities
Performance Indicator Details
Public disorder reduced in line with Strategy In 2011, both national and regional reductions were on target. statement commitments. Incidents of Public Disorder reduced in 89.2% of divisions in 2011, compared to 78.6% in 2010.
Assaults reduced. In 2011, both national and regional reductions were on target. Assaults reduced in 82.1% of divisions in 2011, compared to 64.3% in 2010.
Criminal damage reduced. In 2011, both national and regional reductions were on target. Criminal damage reduced in 100% of divisions in 2011, compared to 85.7% in 2010.
Number of test purchase operations. There were 202 test purchases operations carried out in 2011. All the scheduled training that was to be completed in 2011 was completed.
Public Attitudes Survey completed. The Public Attitudes Survey was not completed in 2011 due to financial constraints.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 32 Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal Four - Ensuring A Peaceful Community Strategic Goal Five - Working With Communities
Performance Indicator Details
Commitment to Garda Síochána National Model Garda Community Policing Toolkit and Newsletter on Garda Portal was maintained of Community Policing accomplished. and updated throughout 2011. Training was completed in all divisions for Community Gardaí on the National Model of Community Policing. Ground Practical Support teams were implemented to give support & advice on diversity and Victims of Crime to Community Gardaí. Garda medals were dispatched to different divisions to support community events throughout the year.
Newsletter 'Community Times' was published and placed on the Garda portal in 2011 (This eNewsletter keeps community policing members up to date with important developments, news and events happening in the areas of Community Policing, Crime Prevention, Joint Policing Committees, Diversity and Crime Call.
Evaluation of Community Alert and A full review was carried out during 2011 in consultation with internal and external Neighbourhood Watch Strategies completed. stakeholders. Work is at an advanced stage on the development of Guidelines to further deliver both crime prevention initiatives. (Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert).
Assistant Commissioner Strategy, Training & Professional Standards appointed to National Assistant Commissioner Strategy, Training & Professional Standards was appointed to Children’s Services Implementation Group National Children’s Service Implementation Group. (NCSIG).
Support of and participation in Children’s Services Committee (CSC) in all Garda Regions The Garda Office for Children and Youth Affairs liaised with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs with regard to Garda responsibilities on these committees. Full implementation of Older People Strategy.
Full implementation of plan to develop Youth & There was a full implementation of the Older People Strategy during 2011. Each Children Strategy 2012-2014 division developed, in consultation with local stakeholders and the National Community Policing Office, divisional implementation plans.
Garda Diversity Strategy implemented. Garda Youth and Children Strategy 2012 – 2014 completed and approved by Garda Commissioner in February 2012. The 2010 Monitoring Committee Report was published by the Minister in 2011. Primary Schools internet safety module approved by the Commissioner in 2011.
Active participation in all established JPCs and Garda Diversity Strategy, which was launched in 2009, continued to be fully Local Policing Fora implemented during 2011.
A national consultation forum was facilitated by the Garda Racial Intercultural and Diversity Office (GRIDO) in March 2011. Representation from internal and external stakeholders included all nine strands of the diversity strategy.
Further, wide consultation took place with diverse and minority groups during 2011 aimed at informing diversity awareness raising training and policy initiatives. This included consultation with representatives from all nine strands of Diversity.
Recommendations of the JPC Survey 2009 The Commissioner has appointed local Divisional and District Officers to each of the implemented 114 Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) operating throughout the country.
This performance indicator was not fully achieved.
Five of the six recommendations of the JPC Survey 2009 have been implemented.
Recommendation six is reliant on the completion of the Public Attitudes Survey, so could not be implemented in 2011.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 33 Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal Five - Working With Communities (Continued)
Performance Indicator Details
An Garda Síochána Victims Charter implemented. The Garda Síochána Victim's Charter is implemented through continuous commitment to establishing a helpful and supportive relationship with victims of crime. In co-operation with the Garda Síochána Analysis Service a comprehensive review of Garda services to victims of crime was carried out during 2011. Recommendations included the development of measurements to monitor the implementation of the Victim’s Charter. The Garda Victims Liaison Office will work with IT to progress this during 2012 in addition to reviewing and monitoring Garda services to victims of crime.
Manual monitoring systems are in place which requires an I.T. solution. In Systems in place to monitor implementation of An Garda Síochána Victims Charter. co-operation with the Garda Síochána Analysis Service, a report was completed in 2011 that outlines the recommendations for An Garda Síochána to develop measurements to monitor the implementation of An Garda Síochána Victims Charter. The Garda Victim Liaison Office will work with Garda IT to continue this work in 2012. This work is dependant on budget provision and the finalisation of the EU Directive.
Policy on Family Liaison officers reviewed. The comprehensive review of Family Liaison Officer policy was completed in 2011 in consultation with internal and external stakeholders.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 34 Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal Five - Working With Communities (Continued) Strategic Goal Six - An Excellent Organisation
Performance Indicator Details
A performance management framework During 2011, a performance management framework for An Garda Síochána was for An Garda Síochána introduced. developed.
A Performance Learning and Accountability Framework (PALF) Policy and associated guidelines were approved by the Commissioner in 2011. A pilot will be conducted in 2012.
A rostering system that more closely matches During 2011, a rostering system that more closely matches the availability of staff the availability of staff with policing demands with policing demands was developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders. introduced.
The implementation of appropriate reporting There is on-going process which requires consultation and agreement with all Staff arrangements. Associations and Civilian Staff Unions. The working group continue to progress the matter on this basis.
The Strategic Change Framework implemented. Work ongoing in relation to the projects that fall under the Strategic Change Framework.
Enhanced organisational training to meet There has been enhanced organisational training to meet requirements delivered in requirements delivered. 2011.
There was training delivered in Firearms, Driving: 4X4 Vehicle Training, Van Personnel Course, Standard Motorcycle Course, Motorcycle Familiarisation Course, Serious Crime Interviewer -IIWS Level 3 and 4, Detective Garda Abridged Programme and public order training.
Garda Reserve training of all phases is ongoing throughout 2011 including Garda Reserve ASP training and First Aid Training
Committed to Excellence accreditation achieved In 2011, accreditation was achieved by Louth, Cork City, and the Meath Division. by two pilot Divisions (Louth & Cork City).
Tender completed and Suspect Interviewing Video Tender was completed for Suspect Interviewing Video Recording Equipment (SIVRE) Recording Equipment(SIVRE) solution solution in five pilot locations. The completed tender was forwarded to the implemented in 5 pilot locations. Department of Justice for onward transmission to CMOD. There is no funding for this project at this present time.
Programme to provide Custody CCTV in Garda Programme to provide Custody CCTV in Garda Stations did not go ahead due to Stations commenced. financial budgetary constraints in 2011.
Programme to update cell accommodation Due to budgetary constraints the target was not met in 2011. The cell refurbishment implemented. programme has been prioritised and will be progressed by the OPW in 2012.
Implementation of the ICT Strategy 2010-2012 Implementation of the ICT Strategy commenced and objectives for 2011were commenced and objectives for 2011 achieved. achieved. Projects of note include the delivery of the National Digital Radio System (NDRS) including Integrated Terminal Management (ITM), upgrades to telecommunications infrastructure, support for policing operations including the state visits and all planned enhancements to IT systems including PULSE and other IT systems were delivered as required. A number of projects were completed to enhance ICT services and reduce the ICT operating costs in line with the Grace Programme.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 35 Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal Six - An Excellent Organisation (Continued)
Performance Indicator Details
Policing priorities were financed within the Policing priorities were financed within the voted budget for 2011. voted budget for 2011.
A corporate procurement plan implemented. Significant progress in the implementation of the Corporate Procurement Plan 2010-2012 was achieved in 2011.
All organisational risk registers maintained in There was 70% compliance in respect of maintenance of organisational risk line with organisation policy. registers in line with organisation policy.
Training in the management of risk completed. Due to financial constraints in 2011, training in the management of risk did not go ahead.
Garda Environmental and Energy Strategy The final draft of the Environmental Strategy has been submitted to the implemented. Commissioner for approval. An implementation plan will be submitted once the document has been approved.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 36 Statistics
Crime Incident Type 2011 01 Homicide Offences 63 02 Sexual Offences 2,052 03 Attempts/Threats to Murder, Assaults, Harassments and Related Offences 16,605 04 Dangerous or Negligent Acts 9,940 05 Kidnapping and Related Offences 104 06 Robbery, Extortion and Highjacking offences 2,918 07 Burglary and Related Offences 27,439 08 Theft and Related Offences 76,924 09 Fraud, Deception and Related Offences 5,311 10 Controlled Drug Offences 17,709 11 Weapons and Explosives Offences 4,099 12 Damage to Property and to the Environment 35,723 13 Public Order and other Social Code Offences 49,015 15 Offences against Government, Justice Procedures and Organisation of Crime 9,760
Crime Statistics
The figures published by the Central Statistics Overall, 11 of the 14 offence groups show a Office on 30 March 2012 show that there was a decrease in recorded crime. For a more detailed decrease in the combined number of Murders and breakdown of figures please go to www.cso.ie Manslaughters recorded in 2011 when compared to 2010. In 2011 there were 39 Murders and 3 Crime trends, including Burglary, are being manslaughters which is a decrease of 26% and monitored closely by senior Garda management, 40%, respectively, from 2010. Overall Homicide with the Regional Assistant Commissioners and Offences have decreased by 28% on the 2010 Assistant Commissioners in charge of the national figures. In 2011 the three Manslaughters were units putting in place appropriate intelligence-led detected and 74% of Murders were detected. There initiatives to target specific types of criminality. was a decrease of 14% in the Sexual Offences Special intelligence-led operations are also in group in 2011. Within that offence group Sexual place to tackle serious and organised criminal Assault incidents decreased by 19%, representing activity. Local Garda management closely 291 fewer incidents. There was a decrease of 6% monitors mobile and other patrols, together with in Attempts or Threats to Murder, Assaults, other operational strategies in place, in Harassment and Related Offences in 2011. conjunction with crime trends and policing needs Within that offence group Assault Causing Harm, of the community to ensure the best possible Poisoning and Other Assault Offences decreased Garda service is provided to the public. Crime by 5%, representing 674 fewer incidents. trends are being kept under review and Dangerous or Negligent Acts, as a group, showed consideration is given to the needs of local a decrease in recorded offences of 18% in 2011. communities. Garda management is satisfied that Specifically, incidents of Driving/In-Charge of a a comprehensive policing service is being Vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit showed a delivered and that current structures in place meet decrease of 16%, representing 1,669 fewer the requirements of the delivery of an effective incidents when compared with 2010. As a group, and efficient policing service. Burglary and Related Offences icreased by 8%.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 37 Statistics
Driving Down Crime
When 2011 crime figures are compared to 2010, they show;
1. 28% Decrease in Homicide Offences 2. 22% Decrease in Kidnapping and Related Offences 3. 18% Decrease in Dangerous or Negligent Acts 4. 15% Decrease in Weapons and Explosives Offences 5. 15% Decrease in Offences Against Government, Justice Procedures and Organisation of Crime Age progression of Denis Walsh. 6. 14% Decrease in Sexual Offences 7. 12% Decrease in Controlled Drug Offences were successfully surrendered to this jurisdiction 8. 11% Decrease in Public Order and Other Social for prosecution in relation to serious crimes. Code Offences 9. 9% Decrease in Damage to Property an to the The Extradition Unit was responsible for the arrest Enviornment in Ireland of 285 fugitives who were wanted by 10. 9% Decrease in Robbery, Extortion and other Jurisdictions for prosecution and or Hijacking Offences sentencing in relation to crimes including Murder, 11. 6% Decrease in Attempts or Threats to Sexual Offences, Human Trafficking and Drugs Murder, Assualts, Harassments and Related and Firearms Offences.
(Based on figures published by the CSO on 30 Fugitives have proven to be desperate criminals March 2012) with the sole ambition of evading Justice. Gardaí attached to the Extradition Unit maintain close links with fugitive units internationally and Garda Missing Persons regularly meet with their counterparts to Bureau exchange ideas and information.
The Global Missing Children’s Network Firearms commemorates May 25 as the International Missing Children’s Day. For the third year in a row In 2011, the Ballistics Section received 1,007 the Missing Persons Bureau was involved in Firearms and Ammunition cases comprising the highlighting missing and abducted children. This following firearms; involved a media campaign on 25 May 2011 in conjunction with 12 other member states of the Global Missing Children’s Network. Firearm Number Pistols 65 Also in 2011 the Missing Persons Bureau was Revolvers 74 involved in the age progression of one long term missing person, Denis Walsh. Light Machine gun 0 Sub-machine gun 4 Extradition Unit Assault Rifle 1 Blank firing Pistol 11 The Extradition Unit is responsible for executing extradition requests from other countries and also Imitation Pistol 23 for processing extradition requests where a wanted Imitation Revolver 10 person has fled from Ireland. In 2011, 31 persons Rifle 76
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 38 Statistics
Up to the 30 November 2011, the Garda Firearm Number Síochána Ombudsman Commission had received Shotgun 144 2,153 new complaints from members of the Air Rifle 126 public. During 2011 a total of 1,407 files were opened by the Complaints Section of An Garda Air Pistol 203 Síochána, this comprises complaints which have been deemed admissible by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and 84 incidents 2011 saw the successful conclusion to two which were referred by An Garda Síochána to the Dissident Republican cases concerning an Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in Improvised Mortar and an Improvised Trailer accordance with Section 102 of the Act. Of these Bomb. files, 586 were referred by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to the Garda Commissioner for investigation in accordance Internal Affairs with Section 94 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
During 2011, a total of 152 members were found There were five deaths in Garda custody in 2011. in breach of discipline under the Garda Síochána On 3 January 2011, the death occurred of Mr. (Discipline) Regulations 2007. These members Sean Crossan while in transit to Ballyconnell received a combination of monetary sanctions, Garda Station. The death is the subject of a cautions, warnings and reprimands. The total Garda Ombudsman Commission investigation. monetary penalties imposed on members was An inquest date has not been set. €62,419.06.
On 6 February 2011, the death of Mr. John Ward These figures do not relate to members of the occurred while in custody in Tuam Garda Station. Garda Reserve and Probationer Gardaí, who are The death is the subject of a Garda Ombudsman dealt with under the Garda Síochána (Admission Commission investigation. An inquest date has and Appointments) (Amendment) Regulations not been set. 2001/2006, nor to student Gardaí. On 25 May 2011, the death of Mr. Hugh Brien A total of 11 members were on suspension at the occurred while in custody at Store Street Garda end of the year. Of the 11 members on Station. The death is the subject of a Garda suspension, five were subject to investigations in Ombudsman Commission investigation. An accordance with the Garda Síochána (Discipline) inquest has been opened and adjourned pending Regulations 2007 and the other six were subject completion of the investigation. to investigations carried out by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. On 28 June 2011, the death of Mr. Mark Ward occurred at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Since its inception in May 2007, the Garda Drogheda. The death was investigated by the Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has Garda Ombudsman Commission investigation. been the sole authority for dealing with The inquest into this death is currently open complaints made by members of the public in before the Louth County Coroner. relation to members of An Garda Síochána. On 21 November 2011, the death of Mr. Sean GSOC is also responsible for investigating O’Driscoll occurred at University Hospital Galway. matters referred to it by the Garda Commissioner The death is the subject of a Garda Ombudsman in accordance with Section 102 of the Garda Commission investigation. An inquest date has Síochána Act 2005, where the conduct of a Garda not been set. member may have resulted in death or serious harm to a person.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 39 Statistics
Missing Person Reports
2011 High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk Total 2011 Reports Untraced Reports Untraced Reports Untraced Reports Untraced
EASTERN REGION 714 1 98 0 192 0 1,004 1 Kildare 216 0 22 0 48 0 286 0 Laois/Offaly 128 0 21 0 25 0 174 0 Meath 165 0 23 0 58 0 246 0 Westmeath 59 0 14 0 33 0 106 0 Wicklow 146 1 18 0 28 0 192 1 DUBLIN MET. REGION 2,561 13 269 4 362 7 3,192 24 Eastern 212 0 48 0 49 0 309 0 North Central 428 1 28 1 40 0 496 2 Northern 980 3 62 0 69 0 1,111 3 South Central 275 3 20 0 41 1 336 4 Southern 250 6 48 1 66 4 364 11 Western 416 0 63 2 97 2 576 4 NORTHERN REGION 644 2 86 1 137 0 867 3 Cavan/Monaghan 136 0 12 1 23 0 171 1 Donegal 128 0 36 0 43 0 207 0 Louth 282 1 26 0 44 0 352 1 Sligo/Leitrim 98 1 12 0 27 0 137 1 SOUTH EASTERN REGION 892 2 86 0 142 0 1,120 2 Kilkenny/Carlow 177 0 21 0 42 0 240 0 Tipperary 321 2 20 0 20 0 361 2 Waterford 198 0 21 0 23 0 242 0 Wexford 196 0 24 0 57 0 277 0 SOUTHERN REGION 1,265 4 148 0 218 2 1,631 6 Cork City 472 2 56 0 85 0 613 2 Cork North 203 0 27 0 40 1 270 1 Cork West 58 1 15 0 25 0 98 1 Kerry 135 0 16 0 21 0 172 0 Limerick 397 1 34 0 47 1 478 2 WESTERN REGION 480 2 83 0 134 0 697 2 Clare 105 1 13 0 15 0 133 1 Galway 265 1 37 0 61 0 363 1 Mayo 67 0 19 0 38 0 124 0 Roscommon/ Longford 43 0 14 0 20 0 77 0
Total 6,556 24 770 5 1,185 9 8,511 38
In 2011, there were 8,511 reports of missing persons. Of these, 6,556 were high risk, 770 were medium risk and 1,185 were low risk. The total number of persons still missing for 2011 is 38. This figure is operational and subject to change. Please see accompanying table.
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 40 Statistics
FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY DRUGS SECTION Received and Reported on from 01/01/2011 to 31/12/2011 2011 High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk Total Reports Untraced Reports Untraced Reports Untraced Reports Untraced Category Drug Type grams/plants/mls Tablets/Capsules/Squares Total Value of Drugs Seized EASTERN Anabolic Steroids Methandrostenolone 637 € 382 € 382 REGION 714 1 98 0 192 0 1,004 1 Methyltestosterone 236 € 142 € 142 Kildare 216 0 22 0 48 0 286 0 Oxymetholone 1,054 € 632 € 632 Laois/Offaly 128 0 21 0 25 0 174 0 Stanozolol 70 € 42 € 42 Meath 165 0 23 0 58 0 246 0 Cannabis Cannabis 1,825,669.1 € 21,947,605 51 € 21,947,605 Westmeath 59 0 14 0 33 0 106 0 Cannabis Plants Cannabis Plants 26,531.0 € 10,612,400 24 € 10,612,400 Wicklow 146 1 18 0 28 0 192 1 Cannabis Resin Cannabis Resin 1,632,246.2 € 9,793,477 € 9,793,477 Cocaine Cocaine 204,123.4 € 14,288,641 € 14,288,641 DUBLIN MET. Depressants (ml) GBL(mls) 100.0 € 60 € 60 REGION 2,561 13 269 4 362 7 3,192 24 GHB(mls) 40.0 € 24 € 24 Eastern 212 0 48 0 49 0 309 0 Diamorphine Diamorphine 32,845.4 € 4,926,807 33 € 99 € 4,926,906 North Central 428 1 28 1 40 0 496 2 Ecstasy MDMA 827.3 € 49,640 101,850 € 814,800 € 864,440 Northern 980 3 62 0 69 0 1,111 3 Hallucinogens Dimethyltryptamine, (N,N-) 1.0 € 0 South Central 275 3 20 0 41 1 336 4 LSD 2,714 € 27,140 € 27,140 Lysergamide 1 € 10 € 10 Southern 250 6 48 1 66 4 364 11 Mescaline 5.4 € 162 € 162 Western 416 0 63 2 97 2 576 4 Psilocybin 9.5 € 48 € 48 NORTHERN NSS Flephedrone (2-FMC) € 0 REGION 644 2 86 1 137 0 867 3 Flephedrone (3-FMC) € 0 Cavan/Monaghan 136 0 12 1 23 0 171 1 Flephedrone (4-FMC) 1,054.5 € 36,906 € 36,906 JWH-018 19,369.9 € 677,947 € 677,947 Donegal 128 0 36 0 43 0 207 0 JWH-073 11,008.5 € 385,298 € 385,298 Louth 282 1 26 0 44 0 352 1 Mephedrone 7,848.7 € 274,706 10 € 274,706 Sligo/Leitrim 98 1 12 0 27 0 137 1 Metandienone 2,919 € 23,352 € 23,352 SOUTH EASTERN Methylone 951.7 € 33,30 2 € 33,308 REGION 892 2 86 0 142 0 1,120 2 Opioids Other Buprenorphine 17 € 0 Methadone(mls) 5,659.5 € 56,595 94 € 940 € 57,535 Kilkenny/Carlow 177 0 21 0 42 0 240 0 Others Ketamine 162.5 € 11,375 € 11,375 Tipperary 321 2 20 0 20 0 361 2 Khat 4.0 € 0 Waterford 198 0 21 0 23 0 242 0 PD-Depressants Alprazolam 793.7 € 794 38,829 € 38,829 € 39,623 Wexford 196 0 24 0 57 0 277 0 Aspirin 12 € 12 € 12 Bromazepam 5 € 5 € 5 SOUTHERN Chlordiazepoxide 27 € 27 € 27 REGION 1,265 4 148 0 218 2 1,631 6 Clenbuterol 40 € 40 € 40 Cork City 472 2 56 0 85 0 613 2 Clobazam 3 € 3 € 3 Cork North 203 0 27 0 40 1 270 1 Clonazepam 1,552 € 1,552 € 1,552 Cork West 58 1 15 0 25 0 98 1 Diazepam 549.4 € 549 208,196 € 208,196 208,745 Kerry 135 0 16 0 21 0 172 0 Dihydrocodeine 115 € 115 € 115 Limerick 397 1 34 0 47 1 478 2 Flunitrazepam 111 € 111 € 111 Fluoxetine 9 € 9 € 9 WESTERN Flurazepam 3,338 € 3,338 € 3,338 REGION 480 2 83 0 134 0 697 2 Lorazepam 0.0 € 0 118 € 118 € 118 Clare 105 1 13 0 15 0 133 1 Lormetazepam 1 € 1 € 1 Galway 265 1 37 0 61 0 363 1 Medazepam 2 € 2 € 2 Mayo 67 0 19 0 38 0 124 0 Methylphenidate 8 € 8 € 8 Morphine 3.0 € 3 32 € 32 € 35 Roscommon/ Nitrazepam 2 € 2 € 2 Longford 43 0 14 0 20 0 77 0 Oxycodone 443 € 443 € 443 Phenacetin 27,545.0 € 27,545 € 27,545 Procaine 0.8 € 1 € 1 Total 6,556 24 770 5 1,185 9 8,511 38 Pseudoephedrine 14 € 14 € 14 Temazepam 125 € 125 € 125 Triazolam 153 € 153 € 153 Venlafaxine 7 € 7 € 7
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 41 Statistics
Category Drug Type grams/plants/mls Tablets/Capsules/Squares Total Value of Drugs Seized
PD-Sleeping Tablets Benzocaine 2,928.7 € 2,929 € 2,929 Sildenafil 1,255 € 1,255 € 1,255 Zolpidem 256 € 256 € 256 Zopiclone 1,268.6 € 1,269 39,082 € 39,082 € 40,351 Precursor Caffeine 7,794.5 509 € 0 Codeine 9.9 451 € 0 Lignocaine 19,424.8 € 0 Paracetamol 0.6 111 € 0 Stimulant(0ther) BK-MBDB 80.8 € 1,211 80 € 640 € 1,851 Butylone 37.9 € 569 22 € 176 € 745 Stimulant(Amphet.) 2 C-B 20,225 € 161,800 € 161,800 Amphetamine 35,875.6 € 538,134 24 € 192 € 538,326 Fluroamphetamine 0.5 € 7 € 7 Methylamphetamine 3,272.1 € 49,081 € 49,081 Phentermine 19 € 152 € 152 PMMA 391.4 € 5,872 € 5,872 Stiumulant(Ecstasy) BZP 11,839.6 € 59,198 22,770 € 113,850 € 173,048 Ephedrine 26,495 € 132,475 € 132,475 MBZP 33.6 € 168 4,124 € 20,620 € 20,788 mCPP 386 € 1,930 € 1,930 MDEA 2.7 € 14 15,812 € 79,060 € 79,074 MDPV 2,557.7 € 12,789 2 € 10 € 12,799 TFMPP 1,608.7 € 8,044 12,967 € 64,835 € 72,879
Annual Report of An Garda Síochána 2011 42